The Query which I desire to ask is, whether the significant, but somewhat coarse phrase of "to wallop," have its origin in the exploits of this gallant ancestor of the Earl of Portsmouth?
E. S. S. W.
Winton.
The "Mistral."
—There is an old French proverb which says:
"Trois fléaux en Provence,
Le Parlement, le Mistral, la Durance."
The first of these scourges has disappeared: the third will probably last for ever: but what of the second?
The Mistral is a kind of whirlwind (partaking of the character of the African simoon, or of the West Indian hurricane), which pays its annual visits to Provence, and causes the most frightful devastation along the banks of the Rhone. It is spoken of by Seneca, and other writers of his time; and the Emperor Augustus is said to have raised a temple to it during his residence in Gaul.
Has any attempt been made, in this age of scientific advancement, to explain the causes of the Mistral? Perhaps Sir William Reid, from his present position and opportunities, as Governor of Malta, may be induced to turn his attention to the subject. An attempt to investigate the origin of this phenomenon, coupled with an historical sketch of its progress and effects, would form a valuable chapter in any future edition of his work on the Law of Storms.